####Chapter 6.2: Meeting Planning Toolkit
Having well-thought-out meetings requires a lot of preparation. The following checklist will help you work through the planning stage and ensure community engagement in the process.
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Whom do you plan to invite?
- Invitees may include:
- Residents
- Neighborhood association leaders
- Journalists
- Businesses
- Civic tech groups
- City staff (subject matter experts, data experts)
- University professors or students
- Librarians
- City leadership
- Invitees may include:
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How will you message the meeting?
- Be clear about what you expect of all participants.
- Include a start and end time.
- Connect the meeting to the bigger picture.
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When will the meeting be held?
- Does the weekend or a weekday make more sense?
- What else is going on in the city that could affect your date?
- Consider holidays and religious obligations.
- If the meeting is in the evening, will you offer childcare?
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Is the location of the meeting appropriate for the participants?
- Is it accessible by all?
- Should the location be neutral?
- Is it important for it to be it hosted by the city or another key partner?
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How will the meeting be structured and facilitated?
- Will there be a combination of small- and large-group discussions?
- Do you have enough facilitators?
- How do you plan to ensure participation by everyone?
- Have you built in time for reflection?
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Do you have the necessary materials?
- Do you need notebooks, pens, or tablets?
- What are your technical needs? Are there power outlets?
- Will you serve food? Are there allergies or dietary restrictions?
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How will you follow up?
- Do you have a sign-in sheet or another way to collect contact information?
- When is the next time participants will hear from you?
- How will you contact them?
- What are the next steps in your process?